Timing mechanism



v E. P. REINECKE 2,352,449

' TIMING MECHANISM.

FiledDec. 10, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR n 0v P fiE/NE KE AT TORNI EY Patented June 27, 1944 TIMING MECHANISM Erwin P. Reinecke, Moline, 111., assignor to Eagle Signal Corporation, Moline, 111., a corporation of Massachusetts Application December 10, 1941, Serial No. 422,407

17 Claims.

The present invention pertains to a timing mechanism useful for the purpose of more or less definitely controlling periods of load-on and load-oil or providing a definite interval of time after actuation of a switch until the load is put into the circuit and provided with current.

Among the objects of this invention are the provision of a simplified timer for the purpose indicated; the provision of a moderately accurate timer for the purpose indicated which will be simple and inexpensive to construct and can therefore be sold at a moderate price; the provision of a timer of the character indicated which will automatically reset for another cycle of operation after it has completed its intended cycle; the provision of a cycle timer for the purpose indicated which can be manufactured and sold at a moderate price but which will function sufficiently accurately for ordinary purposes; and such further objects, advantages, and capabilities as will hereafter appear and as are inherent in the invention herein disclosed. My invention further resides in the combination. construction, and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and, while I have shown therein what is now regarded as the preferred embodiments of this invention, I desire the same to be understood as illustrative only and not to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

In the drawings annexed hereto and forming a part hereof,

Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of one form of this invention and Fig. 2 represents a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 represents a front elevation of a slightly modified form of this invention and Fig. 4 represents a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 5 represents a still further modified form of this invention and Fig. 6 represents a side elevation thereof;

shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram of the structure shown in Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 9 is a wiring diagram of the structure shown in Figs. 5 and 6;

Fig. 10 represents an elevation of an element of this invention common to all of the forms;

Fig. 11 represents a form of embodiment of this invention in which the time period is fixed and therefore no time dial is required; and

Fig. 12 represents a fragmentary section back of and substantially parallel to the insulating binding post supporting bar.

Much of the construction is common to all of the forms embodied in this invention and shown in the present drawings and also other forms thereof not illustrated in these drawings.

Reference will now be made in greater detail to the annexed drawings for a more complete description of this invention. A supporting plate 0 dial 9 is held, by means of a collar III, against movement longitudinally of the shaft I. A latching finger II is secured to a sleeve I2 which has a finger I3 projecting radially therefrom. Located between the time dial 9 and the latching 15 finger II is a notched disc I4, slightly smaller in diameter than the dial 9, as shown clearly in Figs. 2, 4, and 6.

In Fig. 10, the finger II is shown as having a hook I5 projecting forwardly therefrom and,

in this hook, there is formed a notch I6. This member cooperates with the notches in the disc I 4, the member I I being movable about the shaft '5 by pressing backwardly on the hook I5 so as to force the shoulder I! out of the notches in the edge of the disc I4. When this has been done,

the arm II is turned about the shaft 1 until the hook I5, in front of the dial 9, indicates thereon the amount of time which it is desired to have in the cycle. Then, when the hook is released by removing the finger therefrom, the

shoulder I I engages in one of the notches in the disc l4 and holds the disc and the arm II relatively immovable, rotationally. The dial 9 and disc I4 are secured together by means of one or more screws I8 and it will therefore be obvious that when the motor turns the shaft I and the disc I4 it will also turn the dial 9. A pin I40. projects rearwardly from the disc I4 to limit the amount which the arm II may. be turned in either direction, when adjusting the time cycle. Fig. 7 is a wiring diagram of the structure supporting plate I.

A bracket I9, secured to the support I, is perforated for reception of the forward section of shaft 1 and furnishes a second support for the shaft, one end of the shaft being supported in the This gives a rigid mounting for the shaft, dial, and notched disc, and assures that they will not be easily displaced from their intended positions.

On the shaft 1 is rotatably mounted a ratchet 5 26 having a pin 2| projecting forwardly therefrom and cooperating, during the operation of the timer, with the pin I3, referred to above. This ratchet Zil cooperates with a finger 22a of the pawl 22 which is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 23 and held in place thereon by means of a collar 24, the pawl 22 being spaced from the support I by means of a sleeve 25. The pivot pin 23 may be secured in the support I in any desired way, as by having its rear end riveted, or by having a nut screwed thereon. A stop 26, as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, may be mounted in the support l to limit the amount by which the pawl 22 may swing when moving out of engagement with the ratchet 23.

An angular bracket 21 is secured to the support I and has an electromagnet 28 mounted thereon by means of a screw 29. This supports 1e electromagnet rigidly in position. In the end portion of the second arm of the bracket 21 there is an opening for recption of a reduced portion oi the armature 30 which is thus pivotally carried by the bracket 21. Consequently, when the clectromagnet 23 is energized, the armature is drawn toward the clectromagnet. Projecting downwardly from the underside of the bracket 21 is a pin Zia (Fig. 12) which is connected to the lower end of the armature 3G by means of a coiled spring 33c and this, therefore, causes the armature to swing away from the electromagnet when thelatter is deenergized. When the armature 30 swings away from the electromagnet 28, it engages the pawl 22, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, and causes this to swing outwardly, being stopped by the post 26, thus freeing, in the structure shown in Fig. 1., the finger 22a from the notches in the edge of ratchet 29. In the structure shown in Fig. 3, the armature 3i positively pushes the pawl 22 away from the ratchet 23 when the electromagnet 28 is energized. A small spring may be provided to cause the pawl to engage the ratchet 23 when the armature 30 is drawn toward the electromagnet 23, in the structures of Figs. 1 and 11. However, the spring 30c actuating the armature 30 away from the electromagnet is so much stronger than this small spring that the pawl is pushed away from the ratchet whenever the armature is released by the electrornagnet, except in the arrangement shown in Fig. 3. In this case, when the armature is released, the small spring forces the pawl 22 to engage ratchet 20.

The structure described above may be modifled, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, by omitting the stop 26 and adding the parts 26a, 26b, 260, 33a, 36?), and 300. The pin 26a is fastened to the upper part of the armature 38 and extends laterally through the hole 26d in the pawl 22. The spring 261) is held under compression at all times between washers on the pin 26a. The washer next to the pawl 22 is kept from movement into contact with the pawl by a pin 26c extending through the pin 26a. However, when the electomagnet is energized, the washer is pulled against the pawl and the finger 22a. engages the notches in the ratchet 23. The opening 26d in pawl 22 is large enough to receive the pin 26c easily when the pawl is drawn toward the electromagnet 28. When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 5. there is lost motion between the pawl 22 and the nearer washer on pin 26a but the screw 33a is adjusted through the lug 300 to permit the armature to hold the finger 22a out of engagement with the ratchet 20 when the electromagnet is deenergized. A look nut 3015 provides means for holding the screw 33a in adjusted position. This construction makes possible the elimination of the spring around the pivot 23 and does away with most of the friction restricting longitudinal motion of the pawl 22. As shown in Fig. 6, the screw 30a does not pass through the pawl 22 but to one side thereof.

In the structure shown in Fig. 5, energisation of the electromagnet 28 draws armature 30 toward the magnet, resulting in movement of parts 22, 26a, 26b, and 260 toward the left, as shown in that figure. This results in preventing rotation of ratchet 20, except as that is permitted by the slight longitudinal motion of pawl 22, when flex ing spring 3!, as set forth hereinafter.

The hole in the pawl 22 through which the pin 23 passes is elongated somewhat, longitudinally of. the pawl, so that this may reciprocate, somewhat, with reference to the pin. A flat spring 3 I, arranged substantially horizontally, is secured to the upper surface of a switch 32 having a switch contact actuator 33 projecting upwardly through its upper surface. When the spring element 3! is bent downwardly into contact with the actuator 33, movement thereof causes a circuit to be closed through the switch 32 and substantially simul taneously another circuit is opened. This will be apparent from Figs. 2', 8, and 9, in which the switch element, moved by the actuator 33, is represented by the line 34, the contact points between which it moves being represented by the contacts 35 and 36.

In Figs. 7 and 9, the switch element 34 is shown as having a normal position in contact with the element 36 and that, when it is actuated, it contacts with the element 35. In Fig. 8, the element 34 is shown in off position and as being in contact with element 35 and that in its on position, it is in contact with element 33, being held in off position by ratchet 2!] until it is released by passage of current through electromagnet 28.

The screws 31 are merely the customary connecting screws by means of which wires are connected to the contact elements 38 mounted on the bar of insulation material 39. In the various figures, the power circuit terminals are represented, respectively, as is customary, by the characters Ll, A, and L2 and the load circuit terminals by l and 2. Since this is customary designation no further attention need be paid thereto.

IAS shown in each of Figs. '7, 8, and 9, the power line 40 is connected to the Ll connector member, while the power line 4| is connected to L2. From LI, 2. lead goes to the motor 6, and from this, a. lead 43 may go to A or to the contact 35. In Fig. '7, the lead 43 is shown as going to A, while in Figs. 8 and 9, it is shown as going to contact 36.

In both Figs. 7 and 8, the electromagnet 28 is shown as being connected to LI and A, while in Fig. 9, it is shown as connected to LI and L2. In each instance, a connector 44 connects L2 with 45, constituting a part of the switch 32. In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 7, a conductor 46 connects 2 to 35, while in the arrangement of Fig. 8, it connects 2 to 36, and in the arrangement of Fig. 9, 46 connects l and 35. Alead 41 connects the power line 40 to the load 48, whatever this may be. The numeral 48 represents an electric light, a series of lights, a motor, or any other desired load. In Fig. '7 there is shown a lead 49 extending from the load 48 to the power line 4|, this lead being provided with a suitable pilot switch 50 by means of which the circuit may be closed. Any suitable switch may be used, even including a periodically operated mechanical switch.

In Fig. 7 there is shown a normally open switch 5|, this being also shown in Fig. 1. In the wiring diagrams, this switch is shown only in Fig. 7 but it will be understood that it may be used in any of these arrangements of this idea, as desired by the user, and, if not desired, it may be omitted. In Fi 8, the switch 50 is shown as located in a lead 4la connecting power line 41 to A, while in Fig. 9, the switch 53 is in power line 4 l As previously indicated, a pin 2! is rigidly mounted in the ratchet 20, extending. therethrough into a position to be engaged by the pin |3 as it is carried about by rotation of the sleeve |2. A set screw 52 extends through la. sleeve 54, slipped upon a part of shaft 1 and having a press fit therewith, and engages the other section of shaft 1, which is the output shaft of the motor, to cause the two sections of the shaft to turn together when the motor is energized. The set screw 52 furnishes an anchorage for one end of the spring 53 which, with its other end, engages the end of pin 2| projecting through ratchet 20, to cause movement thereof independently of the shaft 1. A washer 55 surrounds the shaft 1 and is rigidly connected thereto, said washer being provided with a finger 5B which extends into the path of pin 2| and serves to limit rotation of ratchet 20 about the shaft under the influence of the spring 53, which normally holds pin 2| against finger 56.

In setting the time cycle, the finger is moved until the hook |5 designates some particular period of time between zero and fifty, let us say fifteen seconds. When the finger H is moved about the shaft 1, the pin I3 is correspondingly moved because both H and I3 are rigidly connected to l2. Therefore, since the washer 55 is held rigidly with respect to shaft 1 and the sleeve l2 turns thereabout, it follows that the pin l3 approaches or recedes from the pin 2 Setting the finger II at some other time designation than zero causes separation of the pins l3 and 2|, and running of the motor during the time cycle causes the pin |3 to catch up to pin 2|. This turns the ratchet enough to actuate pawl 22 to reverse switch 32.

When the switch 50 is closed, the electromagnet 28 is energized and the motor 6 starts running. Substantially simultaneously therewith, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the pawl 22 engages in a notch of the ratchet 20 and stops rotation thereof. This ratchet then stands still while the circuit remains energized. The running of the motor causes the pin |3 to travel around until it engages the pin 2| and forces the ratchet to turn and press the pawl down so as to depress the spring 3| and cause reversal of the connection 34, moving it from 36 to 35. This breaks the motor circuit, and the motor stops running.

The foregoing is the operation of the arrangements shown in Figs. 1, 5, '7, and 9. In the arrangement of Figs. 3 and 8, closure of the switch 50 turns pawl 22 on its pivot 23 and causes separation of the pawl 22 from ratchet 28 by engagement of pin 59 with the pawl, as is clear from Fig. 8.

The operation of this construction will next be treated in detail in connection with Figs. 7, 8, and 9. While this device can be used with either A. C. or D. C. current, we shall, for ease of explanation, assume direct current entering through line 40 and connector Ll. As seen in Figs. 1 and 7, if the switch 50 is closed momentarily, the current flowing through the electromagnet 28 attracts the armature 30 causing the pin 59 to close the switch '5 Closing of the switch 50 causes energization of the motor 5, simultaneously with electromagnet 28, while closing of the switch 5| furnishes another path from connector A to line 4| through conductor '60, contact 36, switch arm 34, and lead 44. While electromagnet 28 is energized, pawl 22 is in engagement with ratchet 20, preventing rotation thereof. The spring 3| normally holds pawl 22 up so that switch arm 34 is not actuated into engagement with contact 35. However, when the motor 6 rotates the shaft 1 until the pin l3 engages the pin 2b, causing slight rotation of ratchet 20, the pawl 22 is shoved downwardly causing spring 3| to actuate the switch-actuator 33 to reverse the switch 32 and cause arm 34 to engage contact 35. This breaks the holding circuit which includes Ll, 28, A, 5|, 60, 36, 34, 45, L2, and line 4|. When th holding circuit is broken, the armature 30 is released, forcing the pawl 22 against the stop 26 and releasing the ratchet 20. When the ratchet 20 is released, the spring 53 causes rotation thereof until the pin 2| engages the finger 56 and stops rotation of the ratchet. Rotation of the timing dial 9 and the motor 6 is stopped by pin I3 engaging pin 2| and reversing switch 32, and everything is reset for the next operation of the mechanism.

When the switch 55 is closed, a circuit is completed from line 40 through load 48 and switch 50 to line 4|. The load is therefore in circuit but this circuit is broken by release of switch 50. At the same time that switch 50 is closed, a,

circuit is set up through load 48, connector A, switch 5|, line 65, and switch arm 34, back to line 4|. Therefore with the breaking of the circuit through 49 and 50, the load is not taken out of circuit because of the auxiliary, or holding, circuit set up through the switch 5|. While switch 5| is closed and switch 50 is open, the load circuit, the magnet circuit, and the motor circuit are connected in parallel between LI and A, and all continue to function until the connection is broken at 36 by the action of pin l3 engaging pin 2| and forcing it to rotate ratchet 20, slightly, with the pawl '22 in engagement therewith which results in pawl 22 reversing switch 34. This, as indicated above, causes the mechanism to reset and be ready 'for the next operation. It will be seen that the length of the cycle will be determined by the position of the arm H, as shown by the hook l5 on the dial 9.

We shall next refer to Figs. 3, 4, and 8. In this arrangement, closure of the switch 50 establishes a circuit from 40 to LI, 28, A, Ma, and 50 to 4|. Energizing of the electromagnet 28 releases pawl 22 from ratchet 20 so that switch actuator spring 3| may reverse the switch arm 34 to cause the circuit to be established between 35 and 45. This places the motor 6 and load 48 in parallel circuits between LI and L2 through 36, 34, and 45. However, as soon as the switch 50 is opened, the circuit through the electromagnet 28 is broken and the pawl 22 returns to engagement with ratchet 20 and timing starts. The motor continues to run, ratchet 28 standing still, until pin l3, engaging pin 2| causes the ratchet to force pawl 22 to reverse switch 32, placing arm 34 in contact with the contact member 35, and the entire system is dead. The ratchet 20 now holds pawl 22 and switch member 34 down so that switch 32 is open and remains open until switch 50 is again closed which turns pawl 22 on its pivot 23 and releases the pawl from the holding effect of the ratchet when pawl 22 again moves upward under the pressure of spring 3|, reversing switch element 34 and closing the motor circuit through 36, 34, and 45. This remains closed even after the opening of switch 50 which initiates the timing period by allowing pawl 22 to swing on its pivot 23, the finger 22a engaging the ratchet 20. However, ratchet 20 does not turn with shaft 1 until pin [3 engages pin 2| and then, almost immediately, pawl 22 reverses switch 32, breaking the motor and load circuits. Th timing period extends from the time pawl 22 engages ratcln et until pin [3 engages pin 2| causing reversal of switch 32.

The arrangement shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 9 is somewhat similar in its operation to that shown in Figs. 1, 2, and '7. In this arrangement, closure of the switch 53 starts the motor 6 and energizes the electromagnet 28. Energization of the electromagnet results in the pawl 22 engag mg the ratchet 20 and preventing the rotation thereof with the motor and the timing dial. After operation of the motor 6 for a predetermined and preset period, the switch element 34 is shifted from contact 36 to contact 35 by pawl 22, as explained above, thus stopping the motor and placing the load in circuit. This load.

therefore remains in circuit as long as the switch 50 is maintained closed, since the electromagnet holds the armature away from the pawl 22 and allows this to remain in engagement with the ratchet 20. This holds the pawl 22 in low ered position and keeps th circuit closed between and by the switch element 34. The load circuit is then from 40 through 5-1, 43, l, 46, 35, 34, 45, 44, and L2 to line 4|.

From the foregoing it will be seen that, in the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 7, closure of the switch puts the load into the circuit for a predetermined. and preset period beginning with the closure of the switch, while closure of the switch 5!), in the arrangement shown in Fig. 9, results in operation of the motor for a definite, predetermined and preset period before the load is put into circuit. The load then remains in circuit until the switch 5!! is opened which causes the mechanism. to be reset and ready for the next operation. With the arrangement shown in Fig. 8. on the other hand, the motor and load are put into circuit by closure of the switch 50 which causes switch arm 34 to engage contact 36, and they remain in circuit while that switch is kept closed. However, when switch 58 is opened, armature 39 moves away from electromagnet 28 and pawl 22 engages ratchet 20. This, as explained above, results in downward movement of pawl 22 and reversal of switch 32, with the com sequent breaking of the motor and load circuits,

The screws 5| are merely attaching screws for the circuit wires of the switch 32 or any contacting action which may be employed.

The structure of Fig. 11 is substantially that of Figs. 1 to 6 with the variable timing parts omitted. In this structure there is no need for the parts 9, H, i4, l5, l5. H, and i8, and the bracket I9 may easily be dispensed with, although its use really gives to the shaft 1 more rigid support. or course, if used, this bracket will be much shorter so as to have its downwardly extending end moderately close to pins l3 and 2!. Also, if bracket 19 is used, collar in will not be needed and sleeve l2 will be shorter than shown in Figs. 2, 4, and 6.

This structure can be wired in accordance with any of Figs, '7 to 3. As an illustration of a use to which the structure of Fig. 11, wired in accord ance with Fig. 8. may be put, wc-may consider an auxiliary front door light controlled by'such a switch. When leaving the house, the switch 50 is closed momentarily. This moves pawl 22 away from ratchet 20, momentarily, allowing switch element 34 of switch 32 to .close the gap between 36 and 45. Then, upon release of switch 50, pawl 22 engages ratchet (43 and this will result in the switch 31. being reversed at the end of the timing period. If we assume that the switch is manufactured to have a timing period of fifty seconds, then the persons leaving the house will have fifty seconds to reach the sidewalk before the light would go out. If going to an automobile, they would have that length of time to reach the .vehicle and get into it. This, of course, is only one of several uses for this device, its principaluses being in industrial plants.

An advantage of the structure of Fig. 11 is that, for use in systems in which a fixed period timer can be used, it is less expensive to manufacture, and it can therefore be sold at a lower price than the other structures described above.

It will of course be understood that the specific description of structure and uses set forth herein may be departed from without departing from the spirit of this invention as set forth in the appended. claims.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

1. In a circuit timer, a substantially constant speed motor, a shaft driven by said motor, a ratchet relatively rotatably mounted upon the shaft, stop members associated with said ratchet and shaft to limit the movement of said ratchet on said shaft, a spring connecting the shaft and ratchet, whereby the movement of the ratchet can be delayed until the motor drives the shaft a distance equal to the relative movement of the ratchet and shaft as limited by said step members, a pawl pivotally mounted for engagement with and disengagement from said ratchet, said pawl also being capable of limited longitudinal movement due to rotation of the ratchet when the pawl is in engagement therewith, and a switch element to be actuated by said pawl upon longitudinal motion thereof, for controlling the timed circuit.

2, In a timer having power and load circuit terminals and a control switch; a substantially constant; speed motor connected to part of said terminals to receive current from the power circuit terminals, a shaft driven by said motor, a ratchet relatively movably mounted upon the shaft, a pawl pivotally mounted for engagement with and disengagement from said ratchet, said pawl also 'being capable of limited longitudinal movement due to engagement of the pawl with the ratchet and rotation of the ratchet, a switch element to be actuated by said pawl upon longitudinal motion thereof, said switch element being connected to one of the load circuit terminals and capable of being connected to and disconnected from the motor circuit when the pawl moves longitudinally, and an electromagnet having a movable armature located adjacent the pawl for controlling pivotal motion of the pawl, said electromagnet being connected to two of the power circuit terminals.

3. In a circuit timer having power and load circuit terminals; an electromagnet connected to two of said power circuit terrnir "is, a motor connected to one of the electrolnagnet connections and to a load circuit terminal, a switch one side of which is connected to a third power terminal which is other than the one to wh ch the motor and electromagnet are connected and the other side connected to said load terminal, said switch being shiftable to make and break a connection between the motor and said third power terminal, switch actuating means operating in. coniunct on with the electromagnet the motor to cause actuation of said shiftable switch to break the circuit connection between the motor and the third power terminal at the end of a predetermined interval, the electromagnet, when ener gized, causing the switch-actuating means to release the switch for movement to a circuitclosing position, and a load-circuit and its included load connected to one of the load-circuit terminals and to the power-circuit terminal to which the electromagnet and motor are connected.

4. In a circuit timer having power and load circuit terminals; an electromagnet connected to two of said power circuit terminals, a motor connected to one of the electromagnet connections and to a load circuit connection, a switch. one side of which is connected to a power circuit terminal other than the one to which the motor and electromagnet are connected and the other side connected to said load circuit connection, said switch being shiftable to make and brealr a connection between the motor and the power circuit terminal to which the switch is connected, switch actuating means operating in conjunction with the electromagnet and the motor to cause actuation of said shiftable switch to break the circuit connection between the motor and said power line terminal, said switch actuating means comprising a pawl and ratchet, the pawl being released from holding engagement with respect to the ratchet by energization of the electromagnet and being allowed to reengage the ratchet when the electromagnet is deenergized, and a switch in the line between the electromagnet and one of the terminals to which it is connected.

5. In a structure for the purpose indicated, an electric motor, a shaft, a ratchet mounted thereon and rotated by the motor when it operates, a switch in the motor circuit, an electromagnet adjacent the motor circuit switch arranged to cooperate with the motor and having a pilot switch in series therewith and the electroinagnet being in parallel circuit with relation to the motor when both are energized, closure of the pilot switch causing energization of the electromagnct and energization of the electromagnet causing release of the motor circuit switch so that it may close the motor circuit, and a pawl engageable with and disengageable from the ratchet actuated by the ratchet to break the motor circuit after the motor hasrun a predetermined time following opening of the pilot switch.

6. In a mechanism of the nature described; a mounting panel, a constant speed motor carried thereby, a shaft mounted in the panel and rotated by the motor, a ratchet loosely carried by the shaft and capable of rotary motion relatively to the shaft, a time-indicating dial rigidly carried by the shaft and rotating therewith, a notched disc behind the dial and rigidly secured thereto, actuating devices connecting the ratchet and the shaft and serving as driving means whereby the ratchet may be driven by the shaft, an arm on the shaft and releasably connected to the disc and indicating on the dial definite time periods, a switch in and controlling the motor circuit, and a pawl cooperating with the switch and the ratchet in actuation of the switch to reverse the position thereof, said pawl having a part engageable with the ratchet whereby the pawl may be moved to cause actuation of the motor circuit switch.

7. In a circuit-timing assembly, a supporting panel, power, motor, and load line connecting means mounted thereon, an electromagnet mounted upon the panel and having a movable armature, said electromagnet being connected to two of the power line connecting means, a motor mounted upon the panel, said motor being connected to two of the power line connecting means, a shaft driven by the motor, a ratchet carried by the shaft and connected thereto to be rotated therewith or to be held against rotation, a motor circuit-controlling switch supported on the panel, and force-transmitting means carried by the panel in proximity to said switch and said ratchet and, under certain circuit conditions, transmitting force from the ratchet to the motor switch to break the motor circuit, said force transmitting means being operatively associated with said electromagnet to cooperate in the operation of said switch and said movable armature controlling the positioning of said force transmitting means.

8. In a circuit-timing assembly, a supporting panel, power, motor, and load line connecting means mounted on the panel, anelectromagnet mounted upon the panel and having a movable armature, a synchronous motor mounted. upon the panel, a shaft driven by the motor, a ratchet carried by the shaft and connected thereto to be rotated therewith or to be held against rotation, a motor circuit-controlling switch supported by the panel and included within the motor circuit, and a pivoted and reciprocating pawl carried by the panel between the ratchet and the switch to engage or be disengaged from the ratchet to transmit force to the motor switch or allow the ratchet to rotate unrestrained, said armature being constructed and arranged with relation to said pawl to control its engagement with and disengagement from the ratchet.

9. In a circuit-timing assembly, a supporting panel, an electromagnet having a pivoted armature, a switch actuator, and a substantially constant speed motor, all connected. to and supported by the panel, a shaft carried by the panel and driven by the motor, a ratchet on said shalt rotating therewith during a part of the timing cycle, yielding means for applying force to the armature to withdraw it from the electromagnet when the latter is not energized, a pawl connected to the panel and yieldin ly urged toward the ratchet, the armature, when not drawn toward the electromagnet, engaging the pawl and forcing it away from the ratchet, a spring connected to the pawl to force it into engagement with the ratchet when the electromagnet is energized, the pivotal mounting of the pawl allowing longitudinal motion thereof, also, a spring for forcing the pawl longitudinally in one direction to the limit of motion of the pawl, the ratchet forcing the pawl longitudinally in the opposite direction, and a circuit-controlling switch actuated by the pawl to change the circuit connections established by said switch.

10. A controlling mechanism for a load circuit or circuits, comprising, in combination, a mounting means, a synchronous motor mounted thereon, a shaft supported by said means and driven by said motor, a time-indicating dial carried by said shaft and rotating therewith, said shaft having a rotationally adjustable enlargement in termediate its end portions, an outwardly projecting actuating member on said enlargement, a ratchet on the shaft rotatable with relation thereto, a spring connecting the ratchet to the shaft for advancing the ratchet to a definite position arrangement with relation to the shaft when the ratchet is released for free movement under the driving force of the spring, a projection on the ratchet to cooperate with said actuating member, a pawl cooperating with said ratchet in the actuation of a circuit-controlling switch, and a circuit-controlling switch in a position to be actuated by said pawl upon longitudinal motion thereof under the influence of said ratchet.

11. A timing mechanism for a load circuit comprising, in combination, a timing motor, a shaft driven by said motor, a member on said shaft rotatable with relation thereto, a spring for biasing said member in the same direction as the rotation of said shaft, a first pair of eng surfaces on said shaft and member for limiting the spring-urged movement of said member, a second pair of engaging surfaces on for limiting rotation of said member in site direction, a circuit-controlling switch, and means for actuating said switch, yieldingly urged away from switch-actuating position, and for engaging said member to hold it against its spring-biased movement whereby rotation of said shaft will bring said second pair of engaging surfaces into contact and continued rotation of said shaft will rotate said member, which motion will be transmitted by said means to actuate said switch.

12. A timing mechanism for a load c rcuit ccmprising, in combination, a timing motor, a shaft driven by said motor, a member on said shaft rotatable with relation thereto, a. spring for biasing said member in the same dir ction as rotation of said shaft, a first pair of suga surfaces on said shaft and member for lil. the spring-urged movement of said member, a second pair of engaging surfaces on said shaft for limiting rotation of said member n the opposite direction, a circuit-controlling switch, means for actuating said switch, yieldingly urged away from switch-actuating position, and for engaging said member to hold it against he spring-biased movement whereby rotation of said shaft will bring said second pair of engaging surfaces into contact and continued rotation of said shalt i 17.1 rotate said member, which motion will be transmitted by said means to actuate said switch, and an eiectromagnet having an armature for controlling the engagement of said means with said member whereby movement of the armature in one direction starts the timing period by enga ing said means with said member, and movemez the armature in the opposite direction disengagcs said means permitting said means to assume its yieldingly urged position and said. member to reset with its first pair of engaging surfaces in contact.

13. In a timing switch, a supporting panel. a substantially constant speed motor mounted thereon, a switch for controlling the motor circuit, a shaft rotated by said motor, a sleeve around said shaft and capable of rotating with the shaft or of being adjusted about the same, a time-indicating dial on said shalt. rotating therewith, a pointer connected with said shaft and indicating on the dial periods of time, said pointer being connected to said sleeve for adjusting the sleeve around the shaft, a ratchet and pawl mechanism for operating the switch to control circuit, a pivot extending through the pawl and with relation to which the pawl may be mo ad longitudinally and rotationallv, and interengaging projections on said sleeve and ratchet whereby the ratchet may be rotated by the sleeve upon closure of a switch, the rotation of the ratchet causing the pawl to operate the switch.

14. In a structure of the nature indicated, having power and load conductors, a motor, electromagnet, and switches; a mounting panel, a pawl and ratchet assembly carried thereby for automatically operating one of the switches to change circuit connections within the structure, said pawl being longitudinally slotted to enable it to be moved longitudinally and being engageable with and disengageable from the ratchet and, when engaged with the ratchet, being movable longitudinally by rotation of the ratchet, whereby to actuate said one of the switches, and when disengaged from the ratchet, permitting said switch to return to non-actuated position, said one of said switches being mounted on the panel independently of the pawl, and an external control switch for causing the motor to function, the control switch serving to start operation of the motor, and the motor cooperating with the pawl and ratchet in the cutting off of the supply of current to itself, by reason of longitudinal movement of the pawl.

15. In a structure for the purpose indicated, an electric motor having a shaft, a ratchet mounted upon said shaft and rotated by the motor when it operates, an electromagnet in parallel circuit with relation to the motor when the motor is energized, a control switch for closing the power circuit to the electromagnet, an independent switch in and controlling the motor circuit, and an intermittently oscillatory and reciprocatory pawl engaging and actuated by the ratchet and itself actuating said independent switch to break the motor circuit after the motor has run a predetermined time, said electromagnet controlling the functioning of said pawl.

16. In a mechanism of the character stated, a ratchet, a pawl cooperating therewith, a pivot about which the pawl may turn, said pawl having an elongated opening through which the pivot passes, said opening making possible longitudinal and rotary motion of the pawl about and with relation to the pivot, a motor for rotating the ratchet, a circuit-controlling switch in the motor circuit, spring for causing the longitudinal motion of the pawl in one direction, the ratchet causing longitudinal motion of the pawl in the opposite direction when the ratchet is rotating and the pawl is in engagement therewith, the pawl, during its last mentioned movement, actuating the switch to cause change of the circuit connections controlled by the switch, and an electromagnet, intermittently controlled for controlling the action of the pawl,

17. In a structure of the nature indicated, a timing motor, a shaft driven by the motor, a pair of first and second stop members on said shaft, a ratchet wheel rotatable on said shaft between the stop members, a spring for biasing the ratchet wheel in the same direction as the rotation of the motor, said spring-urged movement of the ratchet wheel being limited by said first stop member, a pawl pivoted for rotational and longitudinal movement, an electromagnet for controlling the rotational movement of said pawl whereby energizing said electromagnet causes said pawl to engage the ratchet wheel, a spring for biasing said pawl against longitudinal movement, said spring acting through said pawl when engaged with the ratchet to hold the ratchet against its spring-urged movement until the motor drives the second stop into engagement with the ratchet wheel rotating it and causing longitudinal movement of said pawl, and a switch operated by the longitudinal movement of the pawl, said switch being restored to its normal position when said electromagnet is deenergized to disengage the pawl from the ratchet and allowing the pawl to reassume its spring-biased position.

ERWIN P. REINECKIH. 

